BBQ Block Party raises funds and awareness for Cornwall & The Counties Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & The Counties employees are assisted by members of the family being helped with the construction of a home this year in Williamsburg. From left: Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & The Counties Resource Coordinator Breckyn Fowler, the organization's Family Services Committee member Kimberly Graveline, Avery Pinard, 5 and his mother, Sarah Beatty. Zandbergen photo

March 23, 2018

WINCHESTER — Eats, treats and the smell of fresh wine combined to raise funds and awareness for the local Habitat for Humanity chapter last Saturday, March 17.

The do-it-yourself winemakers at the Town Vintner teamed up with Maxville-based Jambel, producers and purveyors of Jamaican jerk and marinade sauce (now carried at the 614 St. Lawrence St. Winchester shop) for the occasion. Patrons tried out the sauce on jerk chicken that Jambel’s Marc Dacosta sold a barbecue in the establishment’s parking lot.

“We’ve served over 150 people to this point,” said a happy Dacosta, late that morning. “People have been just fantastic.”

The Town Vintner is among the 13 Ottawa-area stores selling Jambel sauce products, which the maker proudly highlights for having just 15 percent sodium and less than one percent sugar — sourced from local honey.

Inside, Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & The Counties Resource and Volunteer Coordinator Breckyn Fowler and family services committee member Kimberly Graveline sold fundraiser touques with the help some members of the latest family to be assisted by the organization in Dundas County. Work is expected to begin in Williamsburg this May on the home to be occupied Sarah Beatty and husband Alex Pinard, along with their children Jonah, 2, and Owen, 9.

The family will end up with a mortgage geared to their income, and they’re expected to contribute their personal labour to the $110,000 project (cost of materials only) on Locke Lane.

Beatty said she looked forward to moving in (likely this September if all goes according to plan). She pointed out that both of their children have a chromosome anomaly, adding to the challenges faced by the family. Having a house and “safe space” of their home will be much appreciated “because we have all these other things going on,” she explained.

The Winchester event raised just over $275 for the cause.

From left, The Town Vintner founders Doug and Joan Shirreffs (enjoying some jerk chicken from the Jambel barbecue grill) and current owners Irene and Shawn Brownlee. Zandbergen photo, Nation Valley News

Marc Dacosta, Jambel co-owner, shows one his sauces now available at The Town Vintner. Zandbergen photo, Nation Valley News

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